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Marlowe Theatre

For other uses, see Marlow Theatre (disambiguation).

The Marlowe Theatre is a 1,200-seat theatre in Canterbury named after playwright Christopher Marlowe, who was born and attended school in the city. It was named a Stage Awards, 2022 UK Theatre of the Year.[5][2]

The Marlowe Theatre
Map
AddressThe Friars
Canterbury, Kent
United Kingdom
Coordinates51°16′52″N 1°04′43″E / 51.2810°N 1.0785°E / 51.2810; 1.0785
Capacity1,200[2]
Construction
Opened1984[3]
Reopened4 October 2011[4]
Rebuilt2009–2011[3]
Years active1984–present[3]
ArchitectKeith Williams[1]
Website
www.marlowetheatre.com
Theatre at night

The Marlowe Trust, a not for profit company and registered charity, operates the theatre.[6]

History

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First building

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A theatre opened on St Margaret's Street, Canterbury shortly before World War I but was converted to the Central Picture Cinema in the 1920s. That building reopened as The Marlowe Theatre in 1949, originally for amateur dramatics, and then repertory. After financial difficulties in 1981, it was demolished the following year to make way for the Marlowe Arcade of Whitefriars Shopping Centre.[3]

Second building

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The Marlowe's second home, in The Friars, was built in 1933, by Oscar Deutsch's Odeon Cinema business as the Friars Cinema. On 11 May 1944 the film A Canterbury Tale received its world premiere there. The cinema was renamed the Odeon in 1955.[3]

During the late 1970s and early 1980s Canterbury Odeon hosted a number of major acts, including The Cure[7] and Joy Division.[8]

The building was purchased and renovated by Canterbury City Council, at a cost of £2.35 million, and opened as the second Marlowe Theatre in July 1984.[3]

The theatre lacked capacity for major touring works and the long rake of seating was less suitable for theatre than cinema. It closed for redevelopment on 22 March 2009.[3][9]

Marlowe Memorial

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The Muse of Poetry statue outside the building references Christopher Marlowe as the Muses' darling, surrounded by characters from his plays. It was relocated to stand outside the Marlowe Theatre in 1993 and unveiled by Ian McKellen.[10][11]

Third Building

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The Marlowe Theatre, 2011

Canterbury City Council was advised moving would cost more than redeveloping on the existing site and in 2005, approved a new Marlowe Theatre. It appointed Keith Williams architect for the project.[1]

2008 budget cost was £25.6 million, of which £17 million was to come from the council. The scheme provided additional parking spaces for people with disabilities and a landscaped walk by the River Stour. Construction began in 2009 and the Earl of Wessex opened this third Marlowe Theatre on 4 October 2011.[9][4]

Building works, unusually for a theatre, came in within budget, whilst The Guardian welcomed its sensible, thoughtful and competent architecture.[9]

Dave Lee statue

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In 2014, a bronze statue of pantomime dame and comedian Dave Lee was unveiled outside the Marlowe Theatre. He had performed over a thousand times there.[12]

COVID-19 and the Marlowe Flatmates

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As a result of 2020's COVID-19 pandemic the theatre closed and its youth activities moved online. Consultation began on 30 redundancies, but in 2020 the situations were secured by a £3 million grant from the UK Government's Culture Recovery Fund. Further funding to assist with lockdown included £326,000 in public donations; £49,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and £15,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund. The latter two grants supported the theatre's youth activities.[13][14][15]

To give the impression of an audience whilst the auditorium was closed, Whitstable artist Ben Dickson created 50 portrait cut-outs of famous people associated with Kent and placed them in the empty seats. When shows restarted, those seats were required for real people. The two dimensional Marlowe Flatmates were evicted and sold to raise funds for the theatre.[16][17]

Building

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The Marlowe's 1,200 seat auditorium has balconies, a flytower and orchestra pit. The complex also includes a separate 150 seat performance space; hospitality outlets; rehearsal and backstage facilities, and a three level foyer.[2]

 
Marlowe Theatre, 2018

When built, the landmark, pointed flytower was the city centre's second tallest structure, after Canterbury Cathedral. It is faced in a stainless steel mesh in front of aluminium panels. The secondary chamber is raised above entrance level and differentiated by oxidised copper cladding.[2]

The distinctive, colonnade facade comprises individual six tonne, polished, reconstituted stone columns, some incorporating concealed downpipes, and a precast concrete soffit.[2]

Activities

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Regular visiting companies include Projekt Europa; Glyndebourne Opera; Matthew Bourne; The Philharmonia Orchestra, and The Royal Shakespeare Company.[5]

The venue has hosted John Surman and his LP Morning Glory was recorded in the first theatre in 1973.[18] Other performers have included Elvis Costello,[19] Van Morrison,[20] Ray Davies,[21] Suzanne Vega,[22] Kate Rusby,[23] Richard Thompson,[24] José González,[25] Don McLean,[26] and Fairport Convention.[27]

In 2014, it was announced the Marlowe would become a producing house, focussed on new writing, supported by a £23,000 grant from Arts Council England.[28]

The Marlowe Youth Theatre

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The Marlowe runs theatre workshops for young people at a 12th century, former priests hospital in nearby Stour Street.[29][5]

Pantomime

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The Marlowe's pantomimes have featured Dave Lee,[12] Natalie Imbruglia,[30] Martine McCutcheon,[31] Danniella Westbrook,[32] Shaun Williamson,[33] Daniel MacPherson,[34] Lewis Collins,[32] Emma Barton,[35] Adrian Edmondson,[36] John Thompson,[37] John Partridge,[38] Toyah Willcox,[39] Samantha Womack,[40] Rita Simons[41] and Gareth Gates.[42] The Marlowe's resident dame, Ben Roddy, has won the award for Best Dame at the Pantomime Awards twice, once in 2018[43] and again in 2024.[44]

Controversies

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Marlowe Memorial

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The Muse of Poetry outside the theatre.

The Muse of Poetry statue, representing Christopher Marlowe's work, in front of the theatre has been criticised as "Victorian soft porn". A Whitstable resident argued in 2022, the figure stands "unnecessarily naked, except for a titillatingly draped piece of cloth" and has "nothing specifically to do with Christopher Marlowe".[45]

Motorbike accident

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In 2019, a stunt motorbike rider was injured during a matinee show of pantomime Mother Goose. Two of three riders collided as they were spun around a metal cage. The victim was assisted at the scene by doctor, and fellow performer, Ranj Singh before spending 24 hours in hospital.[46]

Jim Davidson

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The Marlowe Theatre barred Jim Davidson's 2013 tour. Theatre Manager Mark Everett told the Kent Messenger "Jim Davidson believes that I don't like his material, which is true." The entertainer encouraged Canterbury residents to attend his show at Margate or Maidstone.[47]

Awards

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Theatre

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Building

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Pantomime

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  • The Pantomime Awards 2022, Best Pantomime over 900 seats [52]

References

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  1. ^ a b Architect chosen for city theatre, BBC, 7 March 2007, archived from the original on 9 March 2007, retrieved 24 April 2007.
  2. ^ a b c d e Mara, Felix (17 December 2010). "Theatre design: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury by Keith Williams Architects and..." Architects Journal. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Our History". Marlowe Theatre. Archived from the original on 20 September 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  4. ^ a b "Marlowe Theatre". BBC News Kent. 4 October 2011. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  5. ^ a b c d "What we do". Marlowe Theatre. Archived from the original on 18 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  6. ^ "THE MARLOWE TRUST - Charity 1179882". Charity Commission. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  7. ^ "27.04.1981 Canterbury – Odeon". The Cure Concerts Guide. Archived from the original on 24 June 2008. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  8. ^ "Joy Division setlist, 16.06.1979". Manchester District Music Archive. Archived from the original on 3 November 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  9. ^ a b c Moore, Rowan (1 October 2011). "Marlowe theatre – review". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 14 October 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  10. ^ "Christopher Marlowe". Marlowe Theatre. Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  11. ^ "Kitty Marlowe – the Marlowe Memorial". The Marlowe Society. Archived from the original on 13 August 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  12. ^ a b Chant, Lowri (2 May 2014). "Bronze statue of panto legend Dave Lee unveiled outside the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury..." Kent Online. Archived from the original on 11 March 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  13. ^ "£3 million boost for our theatre". Marlowe Theatre. 6 November 2020. Archived from the original on 22 January 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  14. ^ "2021 Annual Report" (PDF). Marlowe Theatre. 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  15. ^ Massey, Lizzie (29 July 2020). "Thirty jobs at risk at Marlowe Theatre - Coronavirus: South East live updates". BBC News. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  16. ^ Harper, Brad (8 June 2021). "Kent's biggest theatre reopens after 448 days". Kent Online. Archived from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  17. ^ "The Marlowe Flatmates :: The Horsebridge". The Horsebridge. Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  18. ^ "Morning Glory Featuring John Surman, John Marshall, Terje Rypdal, Chris Laurence, John Taylor, Malcolm Griffiths - Morning Glory". Discogs. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  19. ^ "Elvis Costello and The Imposters! - '13 Revolvers Tour (Closed June 23, 2013) | Canterbury | reviews, cast and info | WhatsOnStage". Whats on Stage. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  20. ^ "Last remaining tickets for Van Morrison at the Marlowe Theatre". Kent County Cricket Club. 10 October 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  21. ^ "Review: Ray Davies Marlowe". Kent Online. 3 October 2012. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  22. ^ "Suzanne Vega - Live Music - Gigography". 45 Worlds. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  23. ^ Tye, Kathryn (11 October 2013). "A Nightingale Sings". Kent Online. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 4 August 2022.
  24. ^ "Richard Thompson". Folk in the Barn. Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  25. ^ "Rock and symphony provide good mix for festival". Kent Online. 5 August 2008. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  26. ^ "An Evening with Don McLean". Marlowe Theatre. Archived from the original on 11 December 2007. Retrieved 29 May 2008.
  27. ^ "Fairport Convention". Marlowe Theatre. Retrieved 29 May 2008.[permanent dead link]
  28. ^ Hemley, Matthew (31 July 2014). "Marlowe Theatre to become a Producing House for First Time". The Stage. Archived from the original on 11 August 2014.
  29. ^ "The Marlowe Youth Theatre". Marlowe Theatre. Archived from the original on 21 September 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  30. ^ "Panto Archive". The Perfect Blend. Archived from the original on 28 June 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  31. ^ "Cinderella". UK Theatre Web. RMJIold. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  32. ^ a b "The official Lewis Collins Fansite - Beauty and the Beast page". Lewis Collins. Archived from the original on 5 May 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  33. ^ Cole, Angela (22 November 2017). "Curtain up on panto season starts with Peter Pan". Kent Online. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  34. ^ "Panto stars switch on city's Christmas lights". Kent Online. 22 November 2001. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  35. ^ "Panto role is dream come true for EastEnders' Emma". Kent Online. 23 July 2008. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  36. ^ Britcher, Chris (22 December 2018). "Kent panto stars from years gone by". Kent Online. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  37. ^ "Marlowe panto". Kent Online. 18 November 2010. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  38. ^ "Marlowe pantomime". Kent Online. 28 November 2011. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  39. ^ "It's Panto season - oh yes it is!". ITV News. 25 November 2012. Archived from the original on 26 November 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  40. ^ Claridge, Alex (5 May 2012). "Soap star Samantha Womack signs up for a leading role in Canterbury panto". Kent Online. KM Group. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  41. ^ Claridge, Alex (11 May 2015). "EastEnders star Rita Simons, aka Roxy Mitchell, to star in Snow White at Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury". KM Group. Archived from the original on 24 November 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2016.
  42. ^ "Pop star Gareth Gates to appear in Marlowe Theatre pantomime". Canterbury Times. Local World. 19 April 2012. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  43. ^ "Theatre news: The Great British Pantomime Awards 2018".
  44. ^ "The UK Pantomime Association announces the winners ofThe Pantomime Awards 2024 in association with Stagecoach". 19 June 2024.
  45. ^ Wright, Joe (4 July 2022). "Half-naked statue 'like Victorian soft porn'". Kent Online. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  46. ^ "TV doctor helps rider injured in pantomime stunt". BBC News. 23 December 2019. Archived from the original on 18 June 2021. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  47. ^ "Jim Davidson barred". Kent Online. 3 April 2013. Archived from the original on 28 July 2022. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
  48. ^ Ell, Jenny (23 October 2022). "UK Theatre Award winners revealed in private ceremony". West End Best Friend. Archived from the original on 16 December 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  49. ^ a b "CHIEF EXECUTIVE CANDIDATE BRIEFING DOCUMENT" (PDF). Marlowe Theatre. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  50. ^ "The New Marlowe Theatre | Civic Trust Awards". Civic Trust Awards. Archived from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  51. ^ "Awards". Keith Williams Architects. Archived from the original on 3 August 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  52. ^ "Winners announced for The Pantomime Awards". The UK Pantomime Association. 21 April 2022. Archived from the original on 21 April 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
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